User Guide

The Inside
PROGRAMMABLE CROSSOVER MODULE: This 14 pin resistor
module controls the crossover frequency. We install a 90Hz resistor
module at the factory. However, should your system design require
something different, they are easy to change. Different modules may be
purchased from your dealer or custom built yourself (for more info see
the section on “Making Your Own Crossover Module”).
PROGRAMMABLE FREQUENCY MATCH (PFM) MODULES:
This 14 pin module is the same type of module as the one in the
crossover module socket. However, the PFM is the bottom limit for the
low frequency output. It is set from the factory at 33 Hz.
GROUND ISOLATION SELECTOR: This feature allows you to
change the power supply ground isolation for different systems. When
your 2XS was shipped from the factory, the selector was put in the fully
isolated position(which we know is the best). Alas, not every other
manufacturer (or installer) devotes so much time and effort into getting
their grounds right. Therefore, we have provided other ground isolation
options to help if you have a ground loop noise (alternator whine) in your
system. Experiment with different settings if you run into this type of
problem. To change the settings, turn system off, carefully move the
black jumper from the center two pins (fully isolated) to either the top
two pins (200Ω) or the bottom two pins (ground). If neither position
eliminates the noise, read on.
INPUT GROUND ISOLATION JUMPER: These jumpers provide a
hard ground for the balanced input circuitry. Some head units or pre-
amplifiers require this for optimum low noise operation. To change the
input ground isolation, use the 3 pin jumper located on the lower left
portion of the 2XS’s circuit board (near the input RCAs.) The unit is
shipped in the balanced input position. This should be optimum for most
applications. Should you feel the need to experiment however, feel free
to turn the system off, change the jumper position and see if it helps.
Outside View
2XS Concert Series
Inside View
2XS Concert Series
A BRIEF TOUR OF THE 2XS
The Outside
INPUTS: Lurking on the bottom left hand corner of the 2XS, you’ll
see two RCA-type audio inputs. These are the inputs which get their
signals from the outputs of your head unit or equalizer. The inputs are
balanced, which helps cancel the evil noise that may be radiating into
your system from your car’s electrical system.
OUTPUT JACKS: To the right of the input jacks you’ll find two
more pairs of RCA-type jacks. The first pair (on the left) is your high
frequency output and the pair on the right is your low frequency output.
OUTPUT LEVEL ADJUSTMENTS: These adjustments control the
2XS signal output to your power amplifiers. The circuitry provides
output level control to drive any power amplifier with up to 9.5 volts of
input signal, which helps achieve maximum signal to noise ratio. This is
a really good thing. Please note: the output of the 2XS is proportional to
the input it receives. At aproximately 5.6v the 2XS should produce its
rated 9.5v of output. Any less input voltage and the output will decrease.
OUTPUT STATUS LEDS
POWER: Indicates when the 2XS is turned on, (clever!)
3 VOLT: Lights up when there is 3 volts RMS present at the 2XSs
output jacks. This is more than enough to drive most amplifiers, so
check your amplifier’s owner’s manual to make sure the amp can handle it.
1 VOLT: Displays when there is 1 volt RMS present at the 2XSs
output jacks.
POWER CONNECTOR: A wonderful, removable connector that
allows you to hook up all of the power and turn-on wires for your 2XS in
the convenience of daylight, and then attach them in the dark recesses of
your trunk.
Stereo Crossover with Subsonic Filter
®
Owner’s Enjoyment Manual
Congratulations!
You have just purchased the state-of-the-art autosound crossover - the
2XS. This crossover is incredibly adjustable, programmable, and most
importantly, the 2XS will make your car audio system sound better.
Whether you are a car audio soundoff competitor or just someone who
appreciates good sound, the 2XS will provide you with many hours of
enjoyment. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the many
features of the 2XS by reading this manual.
Features of the Concert Series 2XS:
• Two channel operation
• Precise 2-way 18dB/octave, programmable electronic crossover
• with a plug-in module
• Programmable Frequency Match (PFM) subsonic filter
• Balanced inputs
• On-board line driver for signal gain
• Output level controls
• Selectable ground isolation
• Optimum signal output indicator LEDs
• The finest quality - designed and built in America
®
making good stereo sound better
®
Concert Series
tm
FEATURES
Programmable 18dB/Octave 2-way Crossover
The 2XS utilizes a sharp 18dB/octave state variable filter that
accurately separates your high and low frequencies. In addition, by using
plug-in resistor modules (for more info see the section on “Making Your
Own Crossover Module”), the two way electronic crossover in the 2XS
can be configured precisely in any multi-amplified system.
Programmable Frequency Match (PFM) Subsonic Filter
Subsonics are low frequency non-musical noises which are present in
most recordings and usually occur below the frequencies which human
ears can detect. This robs amplifier power, causes intermodulation
distortion, and may even cause speaker damage. Obviously you don’t
want your system to reproduce these nasty sounds, therefore, the 2XS
features an AudioControl exclusive, a sharp 18dB/octave Programmable
Frequency Match (PFM) subsonic filter. This PFM filter rolls off these
problem-causing frequencies before they get to your amplifiers. Since it
is programmable, you can install a PFM resistor module at the ideal low
frequency roll-off point(like the subwoofer enclosure tuning frequency or
the -3dB down point of your system), and get the best possible sound
from your system.
Line Driver
Every electronic component produces a small amount of noise. This
noise is the result of electrons bouncing into each other like pinballs.
Unfortunately, these noises add to the “noise floor” of your car audio
system and can end up as hissssss through your speakers. Fortunately,
the circuitry in the 2XS has been designed to provide signal gain. This
“gain” allows you to raise the signal above the hissssssing noise floor and
drive your amplifier better. This, my friend, is a good thing.
Selectable Ground Isolation
Ground loops and ground noises are constant threats to a quality car
stereo installation. Head unit manufacturers ground their products one
way while amplifier manufacturers may ground theirs differently.
Unfortunately, these differences can cause ground loops. The 2XS helps
you avoid these problems by providing selectable signal and power
grounds. Ground loops are now things of the past.
The Most Important Instruction of All
FILL OUT AND SEND IN YOUR WARRANTY CARD!
Also, it is crucial that you keep your invoice or sales slip, since it is
your only proof of purchase. If somebody takes your 2XS while you're
vacationing in Tahiti, insurance companies and law enforcement officials
will require some proof of ownership on your part.
For the highest possible product performance and the lowest possible
use of aspirin, nothing is better than a profes-
sional system installation. Your AudioControl
Performance Match audio dealer has the
training and equipment necessary to install your
2XS and achieve the best possible sound out of
your system. However, if you are a die-hard do-
it-yourselfer, this manual will give you all of
the information you need to make music
with your 2XS.
Happy listening.
®
making good stereo sound better
®
22410 70th Avenue West • Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
Phone [phone] • Fax [phone]
www.audiocontrol.com
© 1994 AudioControl , AudioControl is a division of Electronic Engineering and
Manufacturing, Inc. Revised 1998
All rights are reserved.
AudioControl, Performance Match, Making Good Stereo Sound Better, Concert
Series, 2XS, EQX, EQL, EQT, and MVC are all trademarks of Electronic Engineering
and Manufacturing, Inc.
This manual was designed and written during a few rare sunny weekends of
espressos and micro-brews in a really nifty place in the Pacific Northwest
surrounded by slugs and other creatures crawling out of the rainforest.
Printed in U.S.A
Specifications subject to change without notice. P/N 9130330
®
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